Scott Minerd

Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC (Credit Suisse Securities USA) is the broker/dealer division of Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, an investment banking company headquartered in New York City. The firm was founded in 1998 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Credit Suisse (USA), Inc., ultimately owned by Credit Suisse Group AG (SWX: CSGN) in Switzerland. Credit Suisse Securities USA offers a suite of equities, solutions and credit products and services which includes global securities sales, trading and execution, prime brokerage and comprehensive investment research. Their clients include financial institutions, corporations, governments, institutional investors, such as pension funds and hedge funds, and private individuals around the world.

Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. provided wealth management, securities trading and sales, corporate finance and investment banking services. Merrill Lynch was a global trader and underwriter of securities and derivatives across a range of asset classes and serve as a strategic advisor to governments, institutions and individuals worldwide. The company was founded in 1913 and was headquartered in Charlotte, NC.

Security Investors LLC (do-business-as Guggenheim Investments) is a registered investment advisor headquartered in New York City. The firm was founded in 1962 and is a subsidiary of Rydex Holdings LLC, ultimately held by Guggenheim Partners LLC. Security Investors provides investment advisory services to separately managed accounts (SMAs) and pooled investment vehicles that are registered as investment companies. The Funds include open-end registered funds, closed-end registered funds, and exchange-traded funds. Their SMA clients may include institutions, such as insurance companies, other financial institutions, pension and profit-sharing plans, US and non-US governmental entities, colleges, hospitals, charitable organizations, endowment funds and foundations, and certain individuals and trusts.

Diamond Resorts International, Inc. provides resort management services. It offers exclusive concert venue, VIP receptions and dinners, and resorts. The company was founded by Stephen J. Cloobeck on January 11, 2013 and is headquartered in Las Vegas, NV.

Channel Capital Group, Inc. owns and operates a web-site for providing hedge fund information and performance data. It provides hedge fund news and data for hedge fund managers and institutional investors. The company was founded in 1997 and is headquartered in New York City, NY.

Morgan Stanley & Co. International Plc (MSCI) is a brokerage firm headquartered in London, UK. The firm was founded in 1986 and is a subsidiary of Morgan Stanley Investments (UK), ultimately held by Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) in the US. MSCI provides a range of brokerage services to corporations, governments and financial institutions.

Guggenheim Partners LLC provides financial services. It offers investments, securities, and insurance services. The company was founded in 1881 and is headquartered in Chicago, IL.